Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer "Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann" dry white 2023

The vines located on the Grand Cru du Rangen produce low yields. Despite a high density per hectare, the average production is often well below 30hl/ha, frequently ranging between 15hl and 25hl/ha in years of low production (2012, 2010…). It was by observing this low production, directly linked to the poor soil, that all the producers of Rangen decided to adopt a maximum yield of 50hl/ha in the charter of 1993, which was ultimately accepted in the annual production conditions in the specifications of GC in 2012.

THE WORK OF THE VINEYARD

On the Rangen, we find denser vines, with narrower rows and/or closely planted vines. These vines are also much closer to the ground, benefiting from the slope's effect and the warming of the stones. This is important, as the Rangen, a late terroir, requires this heat input at the end of the season to perfect the ripeness of the grapes.

This terroir is also complicated to maintain. Erosion can be significant, and the consequences are dramatic when rains wash soil down from the vines. The vineyard is also strewn with dry stone walls, which do not have a permanent lifespan, and unfortunately, every year we have to repair many walls.

A priori, due to its altitude and cooler climate, Rangen is rather susceptible to powdery mildew attacks, which can be quite formidable in certain vintages. However, in some warmer years, especially recently, downy mildew has developed intensely, requiring increased vigilance from the winemaker. The cool winds from the valley and the altitude of this Cru help to avoid significant problems, as the protection of this vineyard is very challenging. The use of tractor-mounted sprayers being impossible, all treatments are done manually using a long hose that is unrolled through the rows of vines.

Botrytis is not a major issue at Rangen (it should not be overlooked, however), especially when it is sought after at the end of the season for late harvests or selections of Grains nobles, a great specialty of this Cru.

The cultivation of the vine is done with the help of a winch for soil maintenance. Biodynamic farming, of course, prohibits herbicides, and since competition from weeds can be a problem in this poor soil, it is imperative to carry out at least two mechanical tillages each year.

THE SEASONS OF RANGEN

The proximity of the Vosges massif, the higher altitude of Rangen compared to the rest of Alsace (350m to 450m), and a greater rainfall (750mm/year) enhance the character of the seasons.

Winter is well established, but the snow can melt very quickly, and the Clos, thanks to the presence of the river, the soil covered with rocks, and a remarkable slope facing south, is almost sheltered from winter and spring frosts.

Spring is often colder and rainier, accentuating the late character of this terroir and delaying veraison and flowering often more than 15 days after the earliest climates in Alsace.

Summer brings great heat, especially when cloud cover is low. The soil of Rangen becomes a solar oven, providing the vines with all the necessary light energy.

Autumn is bright and warm, as once the morning mists disperse, the Rangen emerges in full sunlight, above the humidity of the Alsace plain. It is at this moment, like a sprinter on the final straight, that the Rangen catches up and surpasses all other terroirs.

THE WINES OF RANGEN

The wines of Rangen are characterized by the late character of the terroir, its strong volcanic minerality, and its ability to capture light. The wines of Rangen exhibit great depth and strength that affirm their personality.

Despite a high planting density, average yields are very low, often ranging between 25 and 35hl/ha in a normal year, and even much lower for sweet/liqueur wines. This imparts intensity and power to the wines of Rangen.

The very sunny exposure (slope, orientation, river, soil reflection) provides an energy of light and warmth to the soil and the vine, ensuring good foliar and root activity. All the wines from Rangen exhibit a strong physiological maturity and therefore balances based on saline maturity.

The very unique soil and subsoil, both due to its volcanic composition, highly mineralized, and its structure, allowing deep root penetration and natural drainage, imparts strength of flavor to the wines. They are characterized by a flinty, smoky, even peaty character and a highly mineral acidity (with a briny taste) stemming from the mineral richness of the soil. The wines of Rangen are easily distinguishable in tasting.

The topography of the site, its late character (hot/cold alternations), as well as the presence of the river are responsible, in certain vintages, for significant development of noble rot, which also allows for the production of great sweet wines, often very colorful, in addition to great dry wines. The Rangen is one of the rare terroirs in Alsace capable of imparting its strong flavor on all grape varieties.

However, they retain their own unique characteristics that do not necessarily require building the wine on the basis of a blend. Each grape variety expresses certain traits of the terroir in its own distinctive way. Blending is currently practiced at an experimental level and does not play a role in the construction of the Grand Cru.

Riesling is primarily harvested in very good condition and mainly produces dry, mineral wines. The Pinot Gris, which ripens earlier, accumulates sugars sooner and often develops noble rot in almost every vintage. It thus takes on a character of over-ripeness associated with the terroir's character. The Gewurztraminer, which is later at Rangen than the other grape varieties, also frequently develops botrytis and possesses a strong tannic structure.

The wines of Rangen are concentrated, long, deep, and possess great aging potential. The signature of Rangen showcases a harmony of acidity and salinity. In cases of over-ripeness, the dry extract and acidity will balance the residual sugars without the wine losing its terroir identity: the famous flint aromas will always be present. 

Le Clos-Saint-Urbain

The town of Thann has always held a particularly deep reverence and devotion to this Saint. At the end of the 15th century, a chapel was erected in honor of Saint Urban in the heart of the Rangen vineyard. Each year, a procession would ascend there on Saint Urban's day, primarily attended by winemakers and innkeepers, along with other faithful participants. Along the route, the litany of Saints was sung, but with an additional litany specific to Saint Urban, known nowhere else but in Thann:

Saint Urbain, companion of work and helper of all the priests of the Lord's vineyard,

Pray for us !

Saint Urbain, guardian and protector of all vineyards and orchards,

Pray for us !

Saint Urbain, Patron of winemakers and innkeepers,

Pray for us !

Of drink and drunkenness,

Deliver us, Lord !

From the devastation of the storm and frost,

Deliver us, Lord !

This chapel was restored in 1774. During the French Revolution, it was completely destroyed by the people. Since 1934, a new chapel dedicated to Saint Urbain once again protects this wonderful hillside.

Le Clos-Saint-Urbain is centered around the Saint-Urbain chapel and consists of 5.5ha planted with Pinot Gris (2.7ha), Riesling (2.3ha), and Gewurztraminer (0.5ha), and is divided in the middle by the Montaigne path.

The Thur River flows at the foot of the vines only under the Clos and then moves away after passing the cliff.

Les Riesling and Pinot Gris are planted in different locations of the Clos, between the east and west and the top and bottom of the slope. The upper part, which is later ripening, cooler, and has a more stony and acidic soil (due to the natural leaching caused by the slope, the soil pH varies between 5.5 at the top and 7 at the bottom) produces grapes with more finesse and acidity. The lower part of the slope produces more structured, powerful, and rich wines. It is therefore very interesting to be able to blend the two parts of the Clos.

The Gewurztraminer is less present than the other two grape varieties because it is more sensitive to altitude. For this reason, it is found only on two plots directly overlooking the river. There, the soil richer in clay is conducive to this grape variety. Additionally, the river also creates a warming effect by reflecting sunlight and thermal currents.